Adoption services advertisement unlawful, say authorities

An advertisement which recently appeared in a local newspaper offering private attorney assisted adoption services, contravenes the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

On Friday November 24, 2017, the advertisement was published in the Vincentian Newspaper captioned “Private Attorney Assisted Adoption – Children of Any Age: All Inquiries Confidential – Call or Whatsapp 498-2262

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) said in a release issued Tuesday that the aforementioned advertisement is in contravention of the Children (Care and Adoption) Act (No. 10 of 2010).

Section 133 (1) states “a person shall not publish or cause to be published in any form or by any means an advertisement dealing with the placement of a child for adoption”. Subsection (2) further states “a person who contravenes subsection (1) commits and offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months”.

The release from the ATIPU further explains what the law says about who can place a child for adoption.

Section 92 (1) (2) and (3) point out who are duly authorized to place a child for adoption.

• Subsection (1) states “A child may be placed for adoption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines only by the Adoption Committee”.

• Subsection (2) states ” A natural parent of a child or other person having the custody of a child may, in a manner which may be determined by the Adoption Committee, select a single person or a couple with whom he or she to have his or her child placed for adoption as prospective adopter or adopters” and;

• Subsection (3) states “The Adoption Committee may only place a child for adoption with a prospective adopter if the Committee is satisfied that the child ought to be placed for adoption”.

“While adoption is a legal process and is permissible in the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the ATIPU advises persons who are contemplating placing their child/ children for adoption to use wisdom and always seek guidance from the Adoption Committee before doing so.

“Adoption in itself is not a bad thing but people with bad intentions can exploit the adoption process. While there are many good outcomes in adoption, regrettably, it is also one of the many forms of human trafficking. Prospective adopters may apply for an adoption order and succeed in adopting a child – but it is what happens to the child after the adoption that really matters!

“After adopting a child, you have to ensure that the best interest of the child is always taken into consideration. On the contrary, the prospective adopter can exploit, abuse or traffic the child as is the ongoing case in many countries. Be wise, be assertive – if you think it’s too good to be true, then it probably is,” the release from the ATIPU said.

Attempts by SEARCHLIGHT to reach the person / organization responsible for the advertisement proved futile as it appears that the phone has been turned off.